Early Longquan

Early Longquan (also referred to as proto-Longquan) designates the formative phase of Longquan celadon production during the late Five Dynasties and Northern Song period (10th–early 11th century). These wares were produced in southern Zhejiang, particularly in the Ou River basin around Dayao and related kiln complexes. They represent the technological and stylistic foundation from which the later, mature Longquan celadon tradition emerged.

Historical context

Early Longquan developed during a period of increasing ceramic production in southeastern China. As Yue ware kilns in northern Zhejiang declined, workshops in the Ou River region adapted existing celadon-glaze systems to local clays and firing conditions. This phase marks the shift from thin-bodied Yue-type wares to the thicker stoneware bodies and more opaque glaze surfaces characteristic of Longquan celadon.

Materials and Production Techniques

The ceramic bodies were formed from iron-bearing stoneware clays native to southern Zhejiang. Firing was carried out in elongated, sloping dragon kilns under controlled reduction, which produced the green-toned glazes. Glazes in this early phase are generally thinner, with olive or yellow-green hues, and often display surface irregularities. These features contrast with the denser and more uniform glazes of later Longquan production.

Forms and decorative characteristics

Common vessel types include bowls, dishes, small vases, covered boxes, and incense burners. Decoration was restrained and subordinate to the monochrome glaze surface. Some pieces exhibit carved floral motifs or combed line patterns, but ornamentation is limited and sparse. Glaze pooling around foot rings or in recessed areas often produces tonal gradation.

Kiln Sites and Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological work has identified several key kiln groups associated with early Longquan production:

Dayao kiln complex (Zhejiang)
Jinxi kiln group
Xikou and Jincun kiln clusters

Finds from these sites indicate continuity of production into the Northern Song, accompanied by gradual refinement in glaze composition and temperature control, which led to the classic Longquan aesthetic.

Influence and Legacy

Early Longquan established the technical and stylistic basis for the Longquan celadon tradition of the Song, Yuan, and Ming periods. The wares also influenced nearby kilns in Zhejiang and Fujian, contributing to the broader development of southern celadon and later export ceramics.

References

Ayers, John. The Baur Collection, Geneva: Japanese Ceramics. Geneva: Collections Baur, 1982.
Gompertz, G. St. G. M. Chinese Celadon Wares. 2nd ed. London: Faber & Faber, 1980.
Kerr, Rose, Joseph Needham, and Nigel Wood. Science and Civilisation in China: Volume 5, Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 12: Ceramic Technology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
Krahl, Regina, and Jessica Harrison-Hall. Chinese Ceramics: Highlights of the Sir Percival David Collection. London: British Museum Press, 2009.
Medley, Margaret. The Chinese Potter: A Practical History of Chinese Ceramics. 3rd ed. London: Phaidon Press, 1989.
Rawson, Jessica, ed. The British Museum Book of Chinese Art. 2nd ed. London: British Museum Press, 2007.
Vainker, S. J. Chinese Pottery and Porcelain. London: British Museum Press, 1991.
Valenstein, Suzanne G. A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1998.
Zhang, Ran, Derek Kennet, Peter J. Brown, Xiaohang Song, Wang Guangyao, Yi Zhai, and Mingjun Wu. “Longquan Celadon: A Quantitative Archaeological Analysis of a Pan-Indian Ocean Industry of the 12th to 15th Centuries.” World Archaeology (2023). https://doi.org/10.1080/00438243.2023.2216183
Li, Zhiwei, Marcos Martinón-Torres, and Nigel Wood. “Insights into Qingbai and Grey-Greenish Ware Production at Jingdezhen and Longquan Kilns through Scientific Analysis.” Journal of Archaeological Science 135 (2021).
Li, Lin, et al. “Study on the Chemical Composition Features of Longquan Celadon.” Chinese Physics C 35, no. 7 (2011): 690–694.
Zhang, Bo, et al. “PIXE Study on Recovery of Making-Technology of Chinese Longquan Celadon.” Ceramics International 45, no. (2019): 7440–7447.
UNESCO. “Traditional Firing Technology for Longquan Celadon Ceramics.” UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, 2009. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-firing-technology-for-longquan-celadon-ceramics-00205